FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 23, 2021

Contact:
Rachel Estroff, 914-525-1940, estroff@nysenate.gov

Senator Mayer Presents Lawrence A. Chiulli, Port Chester’s Director of Code Enforcement with the NYS Senate Commendation Award for Exemplary Service Aiding Displaced Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 23, 2021

Contact:
Rachel Estroff, 914-525-1940, [email protected]

Senator Mayer Presents Lawrence A. Chiulli, Port Chester’s Director of Code Enforcement with the NYS Senate Commendation Award for Exemplary Service to Aid Displaced Families

Port Chester, NY — On Thursday, April 22nd, Senator Shelley B. Mayer presented Lawrence A. Chiulli, Director of Code Enforcement for the Village of Port Chester, with the NYS Senate Commendation for his extraordinary efforts to help resolve the displacement of five Port Chester families this winter. The Commendation honors those whose efforts have gone above and beyond expectations, especially during the COVID pandemic, and Mr. Chiulli greatly exceeded his job duties with extraordinary concern for these families. His work expedited the families’ return to their homes after the Village had issued a vacate order for their building due to safety concerns. The families were unable to return home for five weeks, which would have been far longer were it not for Mr. Chiulli’s work, which went far beyond his job responsibilities. He worked overtime and on weekends, and with everyone concerned, including utility companies, the Fire Department, the building owner, and other outside entities to resolve the safety issues and get the families back into their homes as quickly as possible.  The Department of Code Enforcement works to increase quality of life and protect health, safety and welfare through application of local codes and ordinances to all Village properties.

Senator Mayer also acknowledged the tremendous work of Jason Mays, Director of Litigation for the Hudson Valley Justice Center, for his legal advice and advocacy during this period. He helped advise the tenants with respect to their legal rights, and dealt extensively with Senator Mayer’s staff during this period. Mr. Mays was presented with a proclamation honoring his contribution. 

Senator Shelley B. Mayer said, “I am so appreciative of the work of Lawrence Chiulli during this trying time. When these five families were forced out of their homes, my office reached out to try to resolve the situation. Mr. Chiulli immediately responded and helped resolve the situation. When residents found themselves without housing during the pandemic, not knowing who could help exacerbated their challenges. Lawrence stepped in to help. In addition, both the tenants and my office relied on Mr. Mays to advise on any available legal remedies, and other legal efforts that might expedite their return to their homes. He was invaluable and deserves great recognition.”

Senator Mayer was joined by Village of Port Chester Mayor Luis Marino; Acting Village Manager Stuart Rabin; Village Trustees Joan Grangenois-Thomas and Frank Ferrara; members of Teamsters Local 456, including President Louis Picani and Vice President Dominick Cassanelli Jr.; as well as members of the Village of Port Chester government. 

About Senator Shelley B. Mayer 
Senator Shelley B. Mayer was elected to the New York State Senate to represent the 37th District in an April 2018 Special Election, and she was subsequently re-elected in November 2018. The 37th State Senate District includes the Cities of Yonkers, White Plains, Rye and New Rochelle; the Towns of Bedford, Eastchester, Harrison, North Castle, Mamaroneck, and Rye; the Villages of Bronxville, Larchmont, Harrison, Mamaroneck, Port Chester, Rye Brook, and Tuckahoe; and the unincorporated hamlets of Katonah, Bedford Hills, and Armonk. Click here to read more about Senator Mayer.

About the Hudson Valley Justice Center
The Hudson Valley Justice Center provides free, high quality legal counsel in civil matters where basic human needs are at stake. Hudson Valley Justice Center serves poor and low-income immigrants who cannot afford an attorney, regardless of immigration status. The office handles individual, class action, and other impact cases, and partners with others to promote meaningful access to the American system of justice for all people regardless of their economic or social condition. Click here to read more about the Hudson Valley Justice Center